SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today the Recreation and Park Commission’s approval of the Mission Dolores Park construction contract. The $12.4 million contract has been awarded to Alten Construction. It is anticipated that construction will begin March 2014, and an expected reopening of Mission Dolores Park for Spring 2015. The construction will include partial closure of the Park at each phase of the construction. The Department is currently in the planning process for a groundbreaking ceremony with city officials and community members to take place early March.

The construction will focus on improvements to park facilities, sports areas, and the general infrastructure. The improvement includes the repair and renovation of the courts, field, and play area; restoration of existing roads and pathways; upgrades to subsurface infrastructure, irrigation and lighting, modifications to the site to remove barriers and improve accessibility; overall reconditioning of the park landscape. In addition, building changes include removing the existing restroom building and the two storage containers as well as the construction of three new buildings.

“Dolores Park is a San Francisco treasure – one of the most vibrant parks in the City. With this long-overdue renovation, Dolores Park will be transformed into an even better park for the neighborhood and the City,” said District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener. “With Significantly expanded restroom capacity, new irrigation and drainage system, and renovated athletic facilities, the park will be dramatically improved for park-goers and neighbors.”

“The well-loved amenities of Dolores Park are in need of significant renovation,” said Phil Ginsburg, SF Rec and Park General Manager. “With the help from our residents and funds from the 2012 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, this park will soon be as good as new.”

For nearly a century San Franciscans have enjoyed the 13.7-acres of recreational opportunities provided by Mission Dolores Park. To help keep up with the use of the park and make much-needed infrastructure improvements, San Francisco voters approved the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond, a $163 million general obligation bond that includes bond funding to improve Mission Dolores Park.

Every day a wide variety of people visit and enjoy Mission Dolores Park. From local Mission residents to visitors from nearby neighborhoods such as Noe Valley and the Castro, many San Franciscans consider Dolores Park to be one of the City’s most beloved parks. Add to that the many events hosted at the park throughout the year, and it’s easy to see why so many people, San Francisco residents and visitors alike, cherish Dolores Park.